Iran could launch an attack on Israel within the next 24 hours, Fox News announced. “Officials in the Middle East believe we have reached zero hour,” the international broadcaster’s foreign correspondent said, explaining that Iran and its allies could strike Israel within the next 24 hours in retaliation for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month.
The attack could come at a highly symbolic moment for Israel, which is celebrating the anniversary of Tisha Beav, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the beginning of the Jewish diaspora.
US deploys submarine and aircraft carrier
“We must be prepared for significant attacks,” said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced the deployment of the missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East (see photo below).
According to the BBC, the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier carrying F-35s is already heading towards the region (see photo below). US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said the US would “take every possible measure” to defend Israel.
When is “day X” expected?
The situation in the Middle East has worsened after an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza killed 100 people, but Jerusalem defended itself by claiming that “this is a haven for terrorists”.
But until a few hours ago, it appeared that “Day X” could be Thursday, August 15, 2024, and that the Israel-Hamas summit would coincide with a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Hamas later announced that it would not participate in the talks.
Tajani: ‘Iran told me the reaction was inevitable’
American President Joe Biden, along with Britain, France, Italy and Germany, called on the Tehran regime to “stop the threat of military aggression against Israel, which would have serious consequences for regional security.” The allies also expressed support for “ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza” and the release of hostages.
In particular, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that he called on his Iranian counterpart “to avoid actions that could jeopardize the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, cause escalation of tensions and subsequently lead to further victimization among civilians.” We made the same call to Israel a few days ago.
“I had a half-hour phone conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister and reiterated my call for caution. In response, the Iranian minister took a firm stance: “Iran has the right to react to Iran,” Tajani said. “We emphasized that the stability of the Middle East is important for everyone in the attack on Iranian territory and the consulate in Damascus, I hope our call for moderation will be heeded.”
“Important Preparations”
Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported for Axios that Israeli and US officials “do not know the exact moment of the attack” and that Iran has made “significant preparations” regarding its missile and drone units “similar to those made before the attack on Israel in April.”
An Israeli source later said: “The Iranians are clearly demonstrating (on the ground) their determination to launch a significant attack, in addition to their public statements that the attack will surpass the one in April. Iran’s public statements do not suggest a step backwards.”
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
